Hunting & Target Shooting

Hunting is permitted on most public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) unless posted as closed (for example, hiking trails), developed recreation areas, and safety zones near housing. State of California hunting regulations must be followed. Game species found on BLM lands include quail, deer, waterfowl, dove, pig, bear and turkey. Seasons, closures, limits and other regulations are specified by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). For information about hunting regulations and Tehama Wildlife Area, contact the DFG regional office at: 601 Locust Street, P.O Box 1480, Redding, CA 96001 (530) 225-2300 or check the DFG website.

Target shooting is generally allowed on public lands, however some areas are restricted because of safety concerns. You must provide your own paper targets and remove your debris when you leave. It is illegal to shoot at trees, signs, outbuildings, or other objects on public lands. Target shooting is available near Redding, 3 miles North of Keswick along Iron Mountain Road, and along Spring Branch Road off of Jellys Ferry Road in Tehama County. The entire Sacramento River Bend Outstanding Natural Area is closed to target shooting with the exception of the Spring Branch Road site.

BLM adheres to the guidelines issued by the California Department of Justice regarding the types of weapons allowed for use on the public lands. Federal law prohibits the use of fully automatic assault weapons on public land.

Public roads must be used for access to public land. Crossing private lands to access public lands is not permitted unless you obtain permission from the landowner. Our surface management maps may help you in locating public lands.

Safe and prudent actions should be followed at all times. Some areas are closed to firearms for safety or environmental reasons. Also be aware of the other public land visitors who may be using the same areas for other recreational uses, i.e., camping, hiking, biking, and rock-hounding. If you have specific questions on areas that may be appropriate for hunting or shooting, contact the Bureau of Land Management, Redding Resource Area at (530)224-2100.

The following areas are closed to hunting:

Land inside the city limits of Redding (closed by local authority).

The Horsetown Clear Creek preserve (an agreement is currently in effect with this preserve to close hunting in the area).